REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING (2024-10-01)

HISTORIC TOWN OF EATONVILLE, FLORIDA REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 7:30 PM

Town Hall-307 E. Kennedy Boulevard. 32751

SPECIAL NOTICE: These meeting minutes are presented in an abbreviated format intended as a public record discussion of stated meeting according to the Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine law. Meetings are opened to the public, noticed within reasonable advance notice, and transcribed into minutes for public record. \*\*Audio Recording are available through the Town's website on the Council Agenda Page.

CALL TO ORDER AND VERIFICATION OF QUORUM:

Mayor Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and a quorum was established by Mrs. King

PRESENT: (4), Mayor Angie Gardner, Vice Mayor Theo Washington, Councilman Rodney Daniels, Councilwoman Wanda Randolph (Absent: Councilman Tarus Mack)

STAFF: (6) Demetrius Pressley, Chief Administrator Officer, Veronica King, Town Clerk, Clifford Shepard, Town Attorney, Chief Stanley Murray, EPD, Cobbin McGee, Planning, Brittani Gragg, Executive Assistant

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Rev. Critton led the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE the meeting agenda; Moved by Councilman Daniels; Second by Councilwoman Randolph; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION- (3)

Joyce Irby - Desire to be an advocate by constantly bringing up issues about how people are hired, what are the qualifications. There are unqualified who get paid more than police officers. There is written evidence about Mr. Washington that needs to be addressed. People cannot be hired and promoted after things are brought up about them. Ms. Simmons wrote in a letter that Mr. Washington has made disparaging remarks to female employees about Councilwoman Randolph in an unprofessional manner, disparaging remarks about anyone on this council and at work should not be made. There were tablets that Mr. Daniels donated in 2023 that the kids were never allowed to use. He also talked in a disparaging way about Dr. Finley stating that he would ensure she never works in this town again, also stating how he does not know how she can keep a man sexually engaged with her attitude. This needs to be addressed and I intend to keep coming back, bringing more witnesses until this is addressed.

Angela Johnson - Inquired about the Records Clerk's Position, referenced the proposed budget, 2 percent COLA (one-time payment), the salary for the records part-time position with a proposed salary of $19,320 understanding the need to attract competent, skilled individuals, clarity is being requested. There were some expressed concerns about the request for an increase in the part-time salary. The town's budget is tight, which is why it was decided to only do a 2 percent COLA. Where is the additional money coming from? What does the contingency look like? What do the town's reserves look like? Believe there is a disservice to the residents of this town. There is a fiduciary responsibility for the town's assets. Questions: Although the position has been advertised with approval to be posted, what is the need? Do not make a decision quickly, look at the numbers and the details.

PUBLIC HEARING

Approval of Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-6 - Creating Chapter 38, Article VIII, Operating Golf Carts on Designated Town Streets (Preamble Read by Town Clerk)

Public Comments: Joyce Irby - Who has golf carts, is this for somebody that is coming into the town (This is for golf carts in certain areas of the town). Angela Johnson- Questions: How do you manage movement from the west end of the town to the east of the town without a lot of conflict? Will flashers be used indicating cross areas? If the town is having to consider additional infrastructure, where in the budget will the cost be covered? I do live in a neighborhood where golf carts are seen, it is a wonderful idea, also have observed more individuals on a golf cart than what the cart allows on them. See them in the evenings, which is creating a hazard, an accident waiting to happen. Do appreciate the ordinance being brought forward, but request clarification on how it will be managed. Conversation: it is a work in progress, the goal is to effectively come up with a program that requires registration at the police department where training will be provided. The registrants will be held responsible to whom they allow to drive the golf cart. Ticketing and violations lead to offenses. The main goal is education, training, and enforcement. Eatonville Police Department (EPD) will have to handle

Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-6 - Creating Chapter 38, Article VIII, Operating Golf Carts on Designated Town Streets; Moved by Councilman Daniels; Second by Vice Mayor Washington; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Council Comments: This item was first brought to the council around the end of Spring (May June), do not see in the information provided boundaries for transportation and use of these golf carts on the roads and streets within Eatonville. Have boundaries been established, The council set the boundaries that will be placed in the ordinance. The boundaries for the speed are set by law, the speed limit on Kennedy would be. The ordinance was discussed in a workshop open to the public and the hearings are for the public hearings the ordinance. Suggest a community workshop be provided for training and education informing everyone about what is being done and to receive feedback. doing or whatever, just to kind of get more feedback. You can own a golf cart but cannot ride them on the streets. The goal is for the council to decide whether to implement or not implement this ordinance. Golf carts have not been will need to be attached or a statement that says this applies to all the streets in the jurisdictional limits of the town, cannot set rules for streets that do not belong to the town. The council would like to include all jurisdictional street within the Town of Eatonville. Mayor Gardner calls for the question; AYE: Mayor Angie Gardner, Vice Mayor Theo Washington, Councilman Rodney Daniels, NAYE: Councilwoman Wanda Randolph, MOTION PASSES.

Approval of First Reading of Ordinance 2024-7 - Discussion of Ordinance on Camping on Public Property and Right of Way in the Town of Eatonville (Preamble Read by Town Clerk)

Public Comments: None.

Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE the First Reading of Ordinance 2024-7 - Discussion of Ordinance on Camping on Public Property and Right of Way in the Town of Eatonville; Moved by Councilman Daniels; Second by Vice Mayor Washington; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Council Comments: None.

Approval of Approval of First Reading of Ordinance 2024-8 Dissolving The Board of Adjustment

\[Pressley\] - For the record, having a person from the planning board serve on the board cannot happen because they are on the other board, if it is the desire to keep the board, there is a resident that is willing to apply and serve on that board, so this may be a solution. (Legal) There is not a lot of activity with the Board of Adjustments. Other communities have done what is being proposed by taking the Board of Adjustment appeals and duties and merging them into the Planning Board who is more active and already met regularly on other issues, they are more familiar with meeting procedures, sunshine, and public records. \[Preamble Read by Town Clerk\] - Public Comments: Angela Johnson - Does the staff make the decision or does an applicant make an appeal to the Board of Adjustments, and does the application for a variance come to the Board of Adjustments? Response: Board of Adjustment hears appeals from the decision of the planning director. Glad that a resident has agreed to serve on that board. Johnson inquired about the possibility of adding the current boards, the members of the boards, and if there are vacancies for the boards. Request that this item be denied, tabled,

Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE the First Reading of Ordinance 2024-8 Dissolving The Board of Adjustment; Moved by Councilwoman Randolph; Second by Mayor Gardner; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Council Comments: There are limited things that the planning director or the building official have absolute authority over. It is not a conflict for the planning board to take on those functions because it is not appeals of the planning board to the planning board. If you wanted to vote this down, it does not mean it is forever. I could bring it back whenever you want. And then you can see if you can get people who will serve on that board. Mayor Gardner calls for the question; AYE: Mayor Angie Gardner NAYE: Vice Mayor Theo Washington, Councilman Rodney Daniels, Councilwoman Wanda Randolph, MOTION FAILS.

Approval of Resolution 2024-30 Establishing Policy for Electing the Chair and Vice Chair of the Town of Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency (TOECRA):(Preamble Read) Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE Approval of Resolution 2024-30 Establishing Policy for Electing the Chair and Vice Chair of the Town of Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency (TOECRA); Moved by Councilwoman Randolph; Second by Vice Mayor Washington; Comments: Consider tabling since the council member who brought this resolution is not here. The calendar year for the CRA is from January 1st to December 31st and not understanding why this has come up now as an issue to be brought up for a vote. The bylaws states that both the chair and the vice chair are to be appointed during the month of December and does not state that the mayor and the vice mayor of the town are to be appointed as the chair and vice chair (CRA). This resolution is to set a policy for appointment which will take place at the last meeting in the calendar year (December). Mayor Gardner calls for the question; AYE

COUNCIL DECISIONS:

* * *

REPORTS:

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: Demetrius Pressley - Happy Birthday to Councilwoman who celebrated her birthday on yesterday; acknowledged staff who worked diligently doing the hurricane; recognized our chief who is the incident commander who worked diligently and has reestablished our presence in Orange county; public works department work diligently to make sure the sandbag stations were in place as well as well as answering calls that took place during that period; executive assistant, Miss Brittany, who worked diligently to make sure we had a successful kickoff meeting for the town's master plan, it was held this past Saturday and was well attended by citizens; recognized staff members that worked on Saturday and showed up on Monday ready to work; will continue to keep the community and partners aware of what is happening; the budget has been finalized as well as town audit, today is the first day of the new budget cycle; acknowledged the H. R. Director (Mrs. Washington) who worked hard to make sure that employees have viable insurance plans (have three options); acknowledged Mr. Washington, the recreation director who has worked hard to make sure the pool is in operation, there are several programs happening (fall festival events, swimming

ATTORNEY: Clifford Shepard - update on Hungerford, there is a hearing on the case that does not involve the town, but is of interest; there are discussions about postponing the hearing while in ongoing discussions about the lease purchase agreement with OCPS, legal has been given the task of taking the first crack at the lease purchase, need to add a few things based on discussions Mr. Pomerini, seems to be going in a positive direction; had discussions with the National Trust who is looking hard at providing the documents to set up a land trust, if lease purchase goes through, a trust can be set up to transfer the property into, provide joint leadership for that organization as to how to control the property, it is hopes that will be an opportunity for economic independence for the town.

Councilwoman Wanda Randolph - the house on Bethune Drive since the hurricane, is leaning more, action from the town is needed, suggest cautioning it off, there may be some liability if we know that this building's condition and have not warned the public for precautionary, place yellow signs or caution tape; post the hurricane, there are two or three basketball goals still on the streets (on Eaton Street and on Amador), there is

4of 510-01-24COUNCILMeetingMinutes lots of trash and debris along the side of the road and the people's yards still need trash picked up. Response: staff did not activate any services because it did not reach the minimum requirement, can work with the current provider to address; the meeting for the vision session for Club Eaton is scheduled for the 10th (October, 5:30 7:30pm), will have to change location, will get with Mr. Presley on identifying another location for that; glad for the start of the new budget, was uncomfortable about a few things and concerned about the reserve of the town, the increase in expenditures; inquired several times about the deficit with the post office, will file a congressional inquiry about the post office, cannot allow, as a local government, to be operating in a deficit; when will notification be provided about the increase amount of the water, also cannot continue going in a deficit on the water; requesting for all solid waste proposals.

Vice Mayor Theo Washington - expressed concerned about the house on Bethune, inquired about the demolition of the property Response: It has been condemned, notification went to the owner to take care of it and they have not responded, code enforcement has been asked to expedite the process and proceed forward with demo at the town's cost, but it will be the expense of the property owner with a lien property; the farmer's market should continue, the people loved it; the entrance into the apartment complex is a concern, it needs a turning lane.

MAYOR'S REPORT - Mayor Angie Gardner to the kickoff Saturday was a nice turnout. Thanks to Mr. Pressley and staff for everything that is being done; acknowledged Attorney Shepard for keeping the council abreast of the school property; the event (Hungerford Headstart) was not put on by the school but quite happy with the way it came out today.

ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gardner Motions for Adjournment of Meeting; Moved by Councilwoman Randolph; Second by Vice Mayor Washington; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Meeting Adjourned at 8:48pm.

Respectfully Submitted by:

20120304 Xiao

APPROVED

Angie Gardner, Mayor